PETA activists are cracking the whip on Springfield-based
Merriam-Webster, demanding that the definition of ``circus'' be rewritten
to label the big top as cruel to ``captive'' animal performers.

The dictionary currently defines a circus as ``an arena often covered
by a tent and used for variety shows, usually including feats of physical
skill, wild animal acts, and performances by clowns.''

But People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals - known for caging
naked women to protest the wearing of fur and protesting the living
conditions of pet store iguanas - wants a new entry.

PETA's proposal defines a circus as a ``spectacle that relies on
captive animals'' who are ``forced to perform tricks under the constant
threat of punishment.'' It also wants the definition to say that ``modern
circuses include only willing human performers.''

The dictionary publishing company couldn't be reached last night, but,
in a letter to Merriam-Webster provided to the Herald, PETA points out
that ``whips, chains, muzzles, and bullhooks are the standard tools used
to train and constantly control animals used in circuses.''

``The sight of these weapons makes the animals perform out of sheer
terror,'' the letter states.

The letter also refers to undercover investigations that have revealed
squalid conditions for circus animals as well as animals being mercilessly
beaten by trainers. PETA says attendance is down at traditional shows like
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus while crowds at human-based
performances like Cirque Du Soleil are at an all-time high. A Ringling
spokesman did not return a call.

``People who use your dictionary deserve an accurate description of
this cruel business, and we hope that you'll consider our suggestion,''
the PETA letter states.

Circuses that feature trained animals are banned in six countries and
more than 300 U.S. cities and towns, including Revere. A pending State
House bill to prohibit exotic animals in Massachusetts circuses is
expected to go to a Senate vote this year.

``As more and more people become aware of the cruelty and violence that
goes on behind the scenes at circuses, we felt the definition needed to be
updated,'' said PETA spokesman Matthew Rice.

The animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is
seeking to change the dictionary definition of the word ``circus'' to
reflect the alleged cruelty and abuse to animal performers.

Current Webster's definition:

circus - n. An arena, often enclosed in a tent or building for
performances by acrobats, trained animals, clowns, etc.

PETA's proposed definition:

circus - n. Historically, a spectacle that relies on captive animals
who are torn from their families and friends in savannahs, rainforests, or
deserts and transported in chains; tiny, barren cages; or train cars from
city to city. They are forced to perform painful, confusing, unnatural,
and frightening tricks under the constant threat of punishment with whips,
bullhooks, or electric prods. Modern circuses include only willing human
performers, such as acrobats, contortionists, fire-eaters, trapeze
artists, trick cyclists, and clowns.